28 alternative wedding dresses with the wow factor

Are you in search of a wedding dress which is full of wow factor, without being too traditional? We've found 25 examples that are perfect for any future bride who dares to be a little different.
All with a different take on the wedding gown, there is a little something for everyone, whether you want to be a boho bride, or a Grecian goddess. Complete with hair and make-up suggestions, welcome to your one stop shop for alternative wedding fashion inspiration.

Black wedding dress – This dramatic black wedding dress by Chantal Mallett is the perfect choice for brides wanting to make a statement. Add a bold headpiece tor really amp up the glamour. We can see this show-stopper of a dress fitting in perfectly at a halloween wedding at a haunted wedding venue.

Gold wedding dress – Amp up the glamour in this gold Chantal Mallett wedding dress, fit for a Queen. We adore the off-the-shoulder detailing and full skirt.

Sareh Nouri Crimson Gown – For those who dare to go bold, look no further than a crimson gown. The rich, gorgeous colour will complement any skin tone, and you’re sure to make a statement with this figure hugging, flattering dress by Sareh Nouri. Team it with slick up-do for the perfect alternative look, sure to set hearts racing.

Revolve Sheer Embroidered Gown – For an alternative take on traditional white lace, this gorgeous sheer gown by Revolve is the perfect solution. For the understated beauty, team it with plain gold accessories to let the dress really do the talking.

Ashi Studio Statement Dress – Classic lace has just been given a massive revamp, and it’s time to say out with the old, and in with the new. The traditional gown has been given a modern twist by Ashi Studio, and this dress is perfect for those who want elegance with a little edge. Pair it with some gorgeous court shoes to complete the look, or some flat sandals for extra comfort!

Ashi Studio Waterfall Dress – If full length dresses aren’t your thing, then opt for a waterfall dress to guarantee easy movement that will still ensure you look totally gorgeous. This beautifully flowing gown will accentuate the legs and highlight the waist, making it the perfect choice for any hour-glass beauties. Statement heels are crucial for this look, just make sure the heels are made for walking!

Revolve Waterfall Dress – Not keen on white? Then opt for this subtle, blush pink wedding dress. With a bardot neckline, this dress is so on trend right now, and is the perfect alternative to straps and sleeves. Keep the accessories simple and opt for a small clutch bag instead.

Cappellazzo Couture Plunge Neck Dress – There’s always more than one way to make a statement, and the plunge neck dress from Cappellazzo Couture is a guaranteed hit. The stunning, sheer detailing is the definition of modern elegance and we adore the sleeves. Check out our pick of the best sleeved wedding dresses if you’re as much of a fan of them as we are.

Carlaruiz Pleated Dress – There is no unwritten rule that wedding dresses should be full length, so as an alternative, the knee-length dress is the ideal choice. Channel your inner Art Deco vibes with this dress by Carlaruiz, and get your gold sandals ready for this elegant affair.

The Carlaruiz Golden Gown – If you want to make a statement without all the ruffles, then a princess dress is the perfect option. Cinched in at the waist, this style of dress is super flattering for everyone, and is definitely a must for anyone with an hour glass figure. This gold option oozes elegance, and is perfectly sophisticated for the bride to be. Team it with a gorgeous veil to keep the look classic with a twist.

Art Inspiration from Cimone – Not a fan of lace? There are plenty of alternative styles for the modern bride. With a sheer, mesh overlay, this dress is perfectly on-trend, with a unique twist taken from artistic influences. Splashes of colour bring brightness into the plain, white dress and make for a fun take on the wedding gown. To complete the look, team it with some gorgeous glitter maker up; it’s perfectly stylish and a little bit fun.

Cimone Puffball Dress – If you’re a fan of stylish throwbacks, this Cimone puffball dress could be your perfect alternative to a traditional gown. It will provide the ultimate in comfort, which does not compromise on style. Super flattering for the legs, it is bound to accentuate your pins, and you are sure to be the centre of attention in this piece. Team it with a slicked back hairstyle and let the dress do the talking.

Cymbeline Black Gown – Who knew black could be worn at weddings too? This Cymbeline gown is total understated elegance, that is perfectly flattering for any figure. Open-back with lace detailing, it is perfect as a wedding gown, especially for the winter months. As braids are hot right now, the plait is perfect for this statement-making gown, meaning only minimal accessories are needed.

DKNY Shirt Dress – Shirt dresses are seriously on trend right now, and can even make the perfect alternative wedding dress. This number by DKNY is a slick, suave and totally sophisticated with the delicate, lace detailing. Prefer to rock a trainer over a heel? With this dress, you can totally get away with it.

Gala Off The Shoulder Dress – Over the past few months, off the shoulder dresses have been all over the high street, and the trend shows no signs of stopping. Embrace your inner Maid Marian and channel the look with flute sleeves, styled perfectly in this dress by Gala. If Maid Marian isn’t your Disney style icon, check out of definitive ranking of Disney wedding dress.

House Of Ollichon Two Piece Dress – Sometimes two is better than one, and two pieces can be the perfect alternative to traditional wedding dresses. The House of Ollichon bralet is the perfect companion to the midi-length ruffled skirt, making the overall look super flattering. This is a look for the traditional bride who still wants to keep things modern! For a statement piece, add in a floral crown instead of a veil. Click through our pick of the best two-piece wedding dresses for more inspiration on this style.

Idan Cohen Beaded Gown – In need of some 1920’s elegance? Then beaded gowns are your new dream dress. With a high neck and all over beading, even the cast of Great Gatsby would be jealous of this piece by Idan Cohen. Team it with a simple up do to keep the focus on the dress, and with such beading no accessories are needed.

Isabel Sanchis Full Length Gown – The Grecian Goddess is here to stay with a gorgeous maxi dress, which is perfectly flattering for any figure. Team it with a thin, gold belt to emphasise the waist and to bring the look together. With this dress, the more accessories the better, so go bold with a flower crown, or even a tiara.

Isabel Zapardiez Monochrome Wedding Dress – This look is the epitome of Parisian chic, and a totally new and alternative way to rock your wedding dress. With gorgeous embroidery and a lavish headpiece, the gown oozes the appeal of classic Chanel pieces, with a touch of Spanish sass. Team it with a gorgeous clutch bag, a must have for any blushing bride.

Isabel Zapardiez Trouser Suit – Sometimes it’s okay to ditch the dress, because wedding trousers can look just as good. This trouser suit by Isabel Zapardiez teams style and comfort, with the overall look being fabulous and feathery. To bring the whole look together, look no further than some sexy, black heels.

Jordi Dalmau Biker Chic – Even wedding dresses can have a little edge, and it’s okay to channel your inner rock chic by embracing the leather biker jacket. Team the jacket with a gorgeous ruffled dress and you have a little Madonna nostalgia, which is still bang on trend. For extra edge, go bold with your make-up.

Luella’s Bridal Crochet Two Piece – If boho style is right up your street, then Luella’s Bridal Boutique is definitely the place to be. This two piece oozes elegance with a seventies twist, thanks to the crochet. With a trumpet skirt, this style makes for the perfect alternative wedding dress. Best teamed with natural hair and make-up, halo plaits will be your new best friend.

Blue Matilde Cano Wedding Dress – Turquoise might not be the most traditional choice for brides, but Spanish designer Matilde Cano has proved that it can be a beautiful one. The ruffled skirt, textured lace and funky headpiece create a fun and dynamic look. Check out our pick of the best headbands and fascinators to recreate this designer look on the high street.

Jenny Packham Negative Space Dress – Alongside her stunning bridal wear collection, Jenny Packham shows two ready to wear collections per year. This dress is perfect for a stylish city wedding with a contemporary theme, and the blazer makes it a fabulous pick for a modern bride.

Sharon Bowen Dryden Wedding Separates – Separates are a huge trend for brides at the moment, and Sharon Bowen Dryden does a fabulous collection of pieces that are slightly edgier than a traditional white gown. Team with a pair of blue wedding shoes to ensure that your outfit includes that all important ‘something blue’!

Vivetta Sheer Wedding Dress – Italian brand Vivetta are pioneers in kitsch and quirky occasion wear, and this white dress is a super-cool choice for a bride who wants to be different.

Tulle Ruth Milliam Wedding Dress – Chichester based bridal designer Ruth Milliam is known for her elaborate and creative designs, and this fabulous gown is no different. It’s bold, it’s gold and it’s a choice that will ensure that you are the belle of your own ball. Check out these sequin bridesmaid dresses for some inspiration of what to dress your best girls in.